new 100 gal. tank

Steve Turner

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Jul 11, 2004
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I will be purchasing a 100 gal rectangular Clear-or-Life acrylic tank soon. I probably will use live rock, and introduce a couple of non invertebrate fish as soon as the water [R/O & Inst.Ocean salt] stabilizes. I am researching what kind of filter to install. I'm pretty sure that I will start with a skimmer [air], and am thinking of either/or both, a UGF [with a power head], and wet/dry filter. What types of these do you recommend, and do I really need all of these types of filters together, thanks.
 
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My question was about filters, not finances. If cost were an issue, I would have asked. Supgo... money may be an issue for you, but not for me. Please stay within the topic parameters.
 
UGF are generally more trouble than they are worth, and are not needed if you have a sufficient quantity of LR, a protein skimmer, and a good clean-up crew (snails, hermits, shrimp). In fact, you won't even need a wet dry; a simple Berlin-style sump (no bio-balls or other media) should be sufficient.

My 120 g tank has the following for filtration: 80 lb live rock + 60 lb base rock (which is live by now), 20 lb live sand mixed w/ 60 lbs aragonite sand, Berlin-style pump w/ 2 filter bags (no media), Euro-reef protein skimmer.

Both the UGF and wet-dry filters can create a buildup of nitrates, which in turn will fuel algae growth. The UGF, particular, must be periodically removed and cleaned or it will clog - not an easy task.

Once you've added the live rock to your tank, you need to wait for it to cure, and for the tank to cycle; depending on the quality of the LR, this can take from a week to several weeks. Your first additions should be clean-up crew; mainly snails and hermits. Wait for the tank to equilibrate with them before adding anything else. I would encourage you to read up as much as possible on marine aquariums; Paletta's "The New Marine Aquarium" is an excellent starting point and a quick read.
 
my mom is trying to get one. the one she found cost, like, $500. this is alaska, mind you, so everything is more expensive. could be cheaper where you are, I don't know.
 
SteveTurner, some people are just curious because like you they are new to the hobby, I don't believe that her comment was questioning your ability but merely a question. You need to do much more reading on setting up a marine aquarium before you start.....I agree with the suggestion to read "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Paletta, other include The Concientious Marine Aquariust and a good web site to start is http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ also read all the stickies at the beginning of these forums and what listen to what those that have gone before have to say......their words of wisdom are invaluable
 
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